All About the Honda Rancher 350: Review and Specifications

Convenience meets innovation: those are the words that we would come up with if we’ll sum up what the Honda Rancher 350 is all about. Mind you, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

If you are looking for a side-by-side that’s revered by many for its engine performance, robust design, and manoeuverability, the Rancher has it all. That’s because apart from its 329-cc, single-cylinder, four-stroke engine, this vehicle comes with an automatic and dual-clutch five-speed transmission with reverse capabilities. A successor to the Honda FourTrax 300, the Rancher possesses several features that make this quad one of Honda’s roster of multifunctional ATVs.

These features do not just provide riders with a convenient and smooth driving experience, but also accomplish heavy grunt work. Those key factors are what make this four-wheeler a favourite lightweight transport vehicle among farmers and hunters alike, as well as trail enthusiasts. In other words, from nose to tail, the Honda Rancher 350 offers nothing more but power, versatility, and reliability.

However, the Rancher 350 had a six-year production run, which began in 2000. In 2006, the Honda Rancher 420 replaced the 328-cc Rancher and led FourTrax’s impressive lineup of ATVs. Nevertheless, the Honda Rancher 350 remains to be a remarkable quad, given its arsenal of features, including the dual-clutch transmission (DCT), Electric Shift Program (ESP) and the Electric Power Steering (EPS).

What Are the Different Models of the Honda Rancher 350?

The Rancher 350 comes with four different models in Honda’s lineup. There’s the 2WD and 4WD that has either the conventional or electric shifts, and the 2WD and 4WD with either aforementioned shifting capabilities.

The list below shows the model and trim of the 4×4 Honda Rancher 350 with an electric starter design, along with their respective years of production from 2000 to 20006.

How Much Is a Honda Rancher 350?

The following values shown below correspond to the current price of a 4×4 Honda Rancher 350 with an Electric Start design. The prices are based on the information provided on www.nadaguides.com.

Honda Rancher 350 4×4’s Specifications and Other Features

Engine

The Honda Rancher 350 gets its incredible power from a longitudinally-mounted OHV engine with an air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder configuration. This engine has a bore-to-stroke ratio of 78.5 x 68 mm, and a displacement of 329 ccs. Also, the carburettor is a Keihin, which is 32 mm and has an 8.7:1 compression ratio. The 2003 Honda Rancher 350 4×4 can produce a mighty 20.6 horsepower.

Ignition

The Rancher 350 has two starter options. The electric start system serves as the quad’s primary ignition system and is connected to a capacitor discharge ignition (CDI). Meanwhile, a recoil pull starter serves as the Rancher’s standby starter. As for the type of spark plug, both the 2WD and 4WD conventional and electric shift models use DPR7EA-9. In addition, the YTX14-BS battery format works great for the Rancher 350.

Transmission/Driveline and Clutch

The Honda Rancher 350 has a front-wheel-drive shaft and a five-speed transmission with reverse gear capability. Also, this ATV is equipped with the Electric Shift Program, which enables riders to shift gears easily and conveniently with just a press of a button. Additionally, the Rancher has centrifugal and wet, multi-plate clutch systems, which is typical in ATVs with an automatic transmission configuration.

Lubrication

The oil type requirement for the Rancher 350 should be 10W-30. This oil type goes for both the manual and electric shift models with 2WD and 4WD drivetrains. Likewise, a 15412-HM5-A10 oil filter is suitable for ATVs with the abovementioned configurations. As for its oil capacity, the Honda Rancher 350 generally requires 2 quarts of oil.

Suspension

The Honda Rancher 350 is fitted with an independent double-wishbone front suspension. On the other hand, a steel rear swing arm suspension with a single shock absorber. Both suspensions have wheel travel of 5.9 inches (149.9 mm).

Wheels, Tyres, and Brakes

A stock Honda Rancher 350 is fitted with tubed Bridgestone tyres.  The front and rear tyres are AT 24 x 8-12 and AT 24 x 9-11 in sizes, respectively. Both wheels are made of steel, which ensures maximum durability. As for the brakes, the Rancher has sealed hydraulic drum brakes in the front, while a single-sealed mechanical drum brakes in the rear.

Dimension

The Honda Rancher 350 is 78.12 inches (1,983 mm) in length and 45 inches (1,143 mm) in width. For the Rancher’s overall height, this quad stands at around 44.5 inches (1,130 mm) and has a seat height of 32.4 inches (823 mm). Additionally, it has a wheelbase of 49.1 inches (1,246 mm) and has a ground clearance of 7.2 inches (182.9 mm). With a turning radius of 10.8 feet, the Rancher 350 has decent handling and manoeuvrability, which can be satisfactory among ATV enthusiasts.

Capacity

With a dry weight of 524 lbs (237.7 kgs), the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the Honda Rancher 350 is a whopping 1,034 lbs (469 kgs). The curb weight is 547.8 lbs. This four-wheeler has a storage capacity of 66 lbs (29.9 kgs) and a full towing capacity of 850 lbs (385.6 kgs).

As for its fuel tank, the Rancher 350 can carry up to 3.4 gallons (12.9 litres) of fuel with 0.8 gallons (3 litres) in the reserve tank. Furthermore, the 2004 Honda Rancher 350 has a utility box which can store around 1.9 litres of equipment and other stuff.

External Features

The Honda Rancher 350’s practical yet rugged aesthetics is composed of a steel frame, coupled with a durable plastic exterior. This quad has front and rear fenders and bumpers, which provides additional protection. Also, the Rancher comes with a skid plate on the underside of the vehicle, which prevents loose debris and other materials from thrashing against the engine and other vital components of the ATV.

Much like a modern automobile, the Rancher is equipped with useful electronics. The digital display located between the handle sets has an odometer and speedometer, as well as the clock and the current gear position of the vehicle. Also, there are indicator lights for the reverse and neutral gears above the display.

Furthermore, the button for the reverse gear is located at the base of the left-hand brake lever. The Rancher also has a fuel gauge which is located beside the vent tube.

The 2004 Honda Rancher 350 had a physical makeover. The quad was fitted with a rear rack that can hold Honda’s Pro-Connect cargo boxes. Also, the Rancher received an underside guard which provided additional protection.

How Fast You Go With the Honda Rancher 350?

On an even surface, the Honda Rancher 350 can reach a top speed of up to 45 mph. This ATV can go beyond 50 mph on some occasions (according to some users). However, doing so takes a while. If you want to add more horsepower to your Rancher, cleaning the air filter regularly or purchasing a high-quality air filter helps tons. Either of these methods can give you an additional 5 mph in your speed capacity.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Honda Rancher 350?

Pros

Ergonomics

The Honda Rancher 350 provides maximum convenience and efficiency, which gives users a smooth riding experience. Riders get to enjoy the Rancher 350’s features, ranging from Honda’s Electric Power Steering and Electric Shift Program to the electronic display and dual-clutch transmission, which make driving this ATV easier and more efficient.

Low Maintenance and Extremely Versatile

Whether you like driving this four-wheeler into mud bogs, rough trails, and shallow waters, the Honda Rancher 350 still stands out when it comes to durability and consistent performance. Apart from that, this quad is an ultimate hard worker. With the amount of load it can carry, you can use this ATV for virtually anything—farming, hunting, trail-riding, and even seeking off-road adventures.

Engine Sound

When you think of ATVs, you can’t stop help but think of all the noisy, rattling sounds that these mean machines make every time you switch them on. The Honda Rancher 350 is a different case, however. Though there’s the occasional rattle, the Rancher does emit a tolerable racket as compared to others that produce angry, gurgling, machine gun sounds.

Cons

Reverse Button

Though a reverse gear offers convenience for the 2000 to 2003 models of the Honda Rancher 350, most users find this feature rather difficult to use. Manually putting a Rancher 350 into reverse requires a handful of steps.

Users should first put the quad into neutral gear. Second, push the reverse button down before pulling the hand brake. Finally, once the electronic display shows that the gear is in reverse, push the gear shift lever. Though the operation may not sound complicated, there are a lot of processes that needed to be done which may become an issue if you’re in a rush.

Low Ground Clearance

The Honda Rancher 350’s ground clearance gives it stability, which is a factor that is crucial in ATVs, especially for 4WDs.

To gain more clearance, you can replace the stock tyres with bigger ones, such as a 26 or 27. However, watch out for the treads rubbing against the fender or any of the components under your ATV. Also, later models, usually the 2006 Rancher 350s, have no issues with the said tyre sizes. Installing 2-inch lift kits on your Rancher is also a good idea for that matter.

Until then, however, there’s always the option of pulling the Rancher with a winch in case you get stuck. Because of this, you’ll be wise not to cross unfamiliar terrain without a winch-mounted ATV by your side.

Additional Pros and Cons of the Honda Rancher 350

The Honda Rancher 350 is virtually a tough workhorse and may accomplish whatever task you throw at it. The quad can tow heavy loads or traverse through muddy and rocky trails without a hitch. However, this grunt of a machine isn’t one without flaws. Below are some of the benefits and advantages of the Honda Rancher 350.

Benefits

·         Minimal power loss to drivetrain thanks to the longitudinally mounted engine

·         Sizeable fuel tank with reserve

·         Has a backup recoil starter system

·         Waterproof and durable frame

·         Has shiftless, push-button transmission system

·         Good handling and manoeuverability

Advantages

·         Narrow wheel clearance

·         Steering problems while driving at low speeds

·         Only starts in neutral gear

·         Wide turning radius, which is not good for tight turns

What’s great about the Honda Rancher 350 is that it does not have any serious issues that are worth noting. In fact, this quad has a lot of positive features that outweigh its flaws. Nevertheless, even though it’s not the number one ATV of all time, it’s still an exceptional piece of equipment.  

What Makes the Honda Rancher 350 Stand Out?

The Honda Rancher 350 is a low-maintenance quad with a high-performance engine and a high-quality exterior. With its push-button shifting and ease-of-use driving, this four-wheeler makes a perfect ATV for intermediate riders. Additionally, this equipment makes the ideal vehicle for accomplishing donkeywork.

Apart from these, the Honda Rancher 350 is equipped with a handful of technological capabilities, such as the ESP, EPS, and DCT capabilities, which make it easy to ride. Also, the 2WD and 4WD driveline options present in the later models gives the Rancher increased manoeuvrability.

When it comes to adaptability, the auxiliary recoil starter is worth noting because the device doubles as a backup in case the electric starter do not work. This feature ensures the user convenience and the capability of their ATV to carry on regardless of the circumstance. Likewise, the 3-litre fuel reserve tank, among other features, offers and upholds the same concept.

With the Rancher 350’s lightweight, robust design and the amount of horsepower it generates, thanks to its 329-cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, OHV engine, this four-wheeler belongs to the upper echelons of multipurpose ATVs. So whether you’re using this quad for farm work, hauling game after a hunting session, or exploring trails, the Rancher 350 is more than capable of accomplishing this task for you.

About the Manufacturer

Established in 1959 by Soichiro Honda, the Honda Motor Company, Ltd is one of the leading motorcycle manufacturers worldwide. Apart from automobiles, the firm also produces commercial and luxury vehicles. Honda also focuses on building light and heavy equipment, which range from electric generators and outboard motors to jet engines and solar cells. This multinational corporation is also the genius behind the Honda Rancher 350.

Final Takeaway

All in all, the Honda Rancher 350 is one awesome multipurpose ATV. Sure, the Rancher’s top speed may seem low-end to most users, especially if you consider its quality. The same goes for the suspension. However, if you take a closer look, you’ll realize that those features are part of the entire package.

That’s because this quad is not just for riding or exploring trails; it’s also a hard-working grunt. In short, going over 45 mph does not seem safe and practical if you’re towing heavy loads. With that said, the Honda Rancher 350 is both a respectable beast.